Japan: 12 places to see – from Tokyo to Okinawa

Japan offers an extraordinary variety of places – from huge futuristic megacities to small traditional towns, mountain villages, art islands and tropical beaches. We have picked the 12 places we find most interesting, with ideas on what to see, what to eat and which unusual experiences await you. For practical information on visas, seasons, money and power sockets, see our Japan travel guide.

The big cities

1. Tokyo – the city of the future

Tokyo is a must – here traditional Japan and a futuristic world live side by side.

• What to see: Shibuya Crossing, the skyscrapers and neon alleys of Shinjuku, Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, the anime district of Akihabara, fashionable Harajuku, the view from Tokyo Skytree and the teamLab Borderless digital museum.
• What to eat: ramen, takoyaki, taiyaki and the famous fluffy Japanese pancakes.
• Shopping: the huge Don Quijote stores, Pokémon Center, Uniqlo and gachapon capsule-toy shops.

2. Kyoto – the heart of traditional Japan

If Tokyo is the future, Kyoto is the past. The former imperial capital is full of ancient temples, wooden houses, tea ceremonies and peaceful gardens.

• What to see: the thousands of red torii gates of Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, the Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji, the Gion district, Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the Philosopher's Path.
• What to eat: matcha ice cream, the yatsuhashi sweet, yudofu (a tofu dish) and the specialities of Nishiki Market.
• Experience: a walk in a kimono and a traditional tea ceremony.

3. Osaka – the food capital

Osaka is more relaxed, louder and friendlier, and the food here is reason enough for the trip.

• What to see: the neon-lit Dotonbori, Osaka Castle, the retro Shinsekai district, Kuromon Market, the Umeda Sky Building and Universal Studios Japan with Super Nintendo World.
• What to eat: takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu (breaded skewers) and sweet melonpan bread.

4. Fukuoka – the street food city

On the southern island of Kyushu, Fukuoka is perfect for discovering local culture through food – especially at the small yatai street stalls along the river in Nakasu.

• What to see: Ohori Park, Canal City Hakata, Kushida Shrine and the Momochi seaside area.
• What to eat: Hakata ramen with rich pork broth, yakitori, mentaiko (spicy fish roe) and bite-sized gyoza.

History and tradition

5. Nara – the city of deer

Hundreds of deer roam freely in Nara Park. Here you will also find Todai-ji Temple with one of the largest bronze Buddha statues and Kasuga Taisha Shrine with its thousands of lanterns. Stroll through the old Naramachi quarter and try mochi pounded in front of you. The deer are wild animals – feed them only the special crackers sold in the park.

6. Hiroshima and Miyajima

Hiroshima is a symbol of remembrance and peace: the Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Peace Museum are a moving experience. A ferry takes you to Miyajima island with its famous red gate that seems to float on the water at high tide, Itsukushima Shrine and Mount Misen. Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, fresh oysters and maple-leaf shaped momiji manju cakes.

7. Kanazawa – Kyoto without the crowds

Kanazawa is one of Japan's hidden gems. Kenrokuen Garden is among the most beautiful in the country, while the Higashi Chaya teahouse district and the Nagamachi samurai quarter take you back in time. Omicho Market has incredible seafood, and the local photo-worthy treat is ice cream topped with gold leaf.

8. Takayama and Shirakawa-go

The mountain town of Takayama looks like it stepped out of an old Japanese film – wooden houses in the historic Sanmachi Suji district, a morning market and the Hida Folk Village open-air museum. Try Hida beef and mitarashi dango rice dumplings, and visit nearby Shirakawa-go with its steep thatched-roof houses – especially beautiful under winter snow.

Nature, islands and art

9. Hakone and Mount Fuji

After the busy cities, Hakone offers hot springs, lakes and views of Mount Fuji. Take a boat across Lake Ashi, ride the ropeway to the volcanic Owakudani valley and head to Lake Kawaguchiko for the most beautiful views of the mountain. Try hoto noodles and spend a night in a traditional ryokan.

10. Sapporo and Hokkaido

The northern island shows a completely different Japan. Every February Odori Park hosts the famous Snow Festival with giant snow and ice sculptures, and some of the country's best ski resorts are nearby. Try miso ramen, soup curry and Hokkaido milk ice cream, and those with a sweet tooth will enjoy the chocolate theme park.

11. Naoshima – the art island

This small island in the Seto Inland Sea has been turned into an open-air gallery. Here you will find Yayoi Kusama's yellow and red pumpkins, the underground Chichu Art Museum, Benesse House and the Art House Project – old houses turned into works of art. The easiest way to explore is by e-bike.

12. Okinawa – tropical Japan

Okinawa has its own culture, architecture and cuisine, and its beaches are reminiscent of the Maldives. Visit Miyakojima island, the bridge to Kouri Island, the Cape Manzamo cliffs, the Churaumi Aquarium and Shuri Castle of the former Ryukyu Kingdom, which is being restored. Try Okinawa soba, sata andagi doughnuts and purple sweet potato tarts.

Tip: if it is your first trip, don't try to see everything. Pick 5–6 places and leave time for unplanned wandering – in Japan the best moments are often found in the small side streets.

Unusual experiences

• Gachapon – buy a few surprise capsules from the machines and see what you get.
• Vending machines – on every corner, with unusual drinks and products.
• A night in a ryokan – a traditional inn with tatami, a Japanese dinner and hot baths.
• A conveyor-belt sushi restaurant where the sushi arrives right at your table.
• A workshop for ceramics, fans or gold-leaf crafts.
• A ride on the Shinkansen bullet train.
• A traditional tea ceremony and making your own matcha.
• A multi-storey arcade and themed cafés.

Which place in which season

• Spring: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Nara during cherry blossom season.
• Summer: Okinawa for the beach and Hokkaido for cooler weather.
• Autumn: Kyoto, Kanazawa, Takayama and Hakone in autumn colours.
• Winter: Sapporo, Hokkaido, Takayama and Shirakawa-go under the snow.

Sample two-week itinerary

1. Tokyo – 4–5 days
2. Hakone and Mount Fuji – 1–2 days
3. Kyoto – 2–3 days
4. Nara – 1 day (an easy day trip from Kyoto or Osaka)
5. Osaka – 2 days
6. Hiroshima and Miyajima – 1–2 days

If you have more time, add Naoshima, Kanazawa and Takayama – 1–2 days each.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need for Japan?

For a first trip we recommend about two weeks – enough for Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka and Hiroshima.

Kyoto or Osaka – where should I stay?

Kyoto is better for temples and tradition, Osaka for food, nightlife and lower prices. The two cities are about 15 minutes apart by fast train, so you can explore both from one base.

Are there beaches in Japan?

Yes – Okinawa and Miyakojima island offer white beaches, turquoise water and coral reefs.

Need help planning?

With so many places, choosing the route is the hardest part. The Clio Travel team will help you pick cities to match the season and your interests, arrange trains and hotels, and leave time for what matters most – the experience itself.